Online keno is a fast-paced, lottery-style game that blends luck and excitement, similar to most casino games to be honest. Keno can often be an overlooked casino game, especially for newcomers who reach for the blackjack tables or roulette wheel. Because of this, we want to put the spotlight on online keno and share with you the top tips and strategies so you can try it for yourself with some pre-game knowledge.
What Is Online Keno?
Online keno is a digital version of the classic casino game that resembles a lottery or bingo. In a typical game, players choose numbers (usually between 1 and 80), and then the game randomly draws 20 winning numbers. The more of your chosen numbers that match the drawn ones, the more you win.
Keno is appealing because it’s simple to play, requires no special skills, and offers the potential for large payouts from small wagers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Playing Online Keno
1. Choose a Trusted Online Casino or App
Before diving in, ensure you’re playing on a licensed and reputable online casino platform. Look for secure websites with verified payment methods, positive reviews, and proper gaming licenses. Many top-tier casinos also offer mobile apps for an easy and secure gaming experience.
Our team did some research to find the best online casinos and game across Time2Play who had a page dedicated to online keno for real money sites, all keno sites are well reviewed and you can even find top bonuses to claim to get you started. They specialize in casino gaming and are trusted by many players.
2. Understand the Game Interface
Once you open a keno game online, you’ll typically see a grid of numbers ranging from 1 to 80. The interface may vary slightly depending on the provider, but the core functions remain the same:
- Number grid: Where you select your numbers
- Bet options: Set how much money you want to wager
- Start/play button: Initiates the number draw
- Paytable: Displays potential winnings based on your bet and how many numbers you match
3. Pick Your Numbers
Most games allow you to choose between 1 and 10 numbers, though some versions let you pick up to 20. This is usually done by clicking or tapping on your selected numbers on the grid. These chosen numbers are referred to as your “spots.”
- Fewer numbers = higher chances of hitting them, but lower payouts
- More numbers = lower odds of matching many, but potentially bigger rewards
- Many platforms also offer a “quick pick” option that randomly selects numbers for you.
4. Decide Your Bet Size
Next, choose how much you want to wager. Online keno games often allow very low minimum bets, sometimes as little as $0.10. You can also decide how many consecutive games to play with the same numbers by selecting the number of rounds.
For example, betting $1 on 5 consecutive games with the same numbers would cost you $5 total.
5. Start the Game
Click the “Play” or “Draw” button to start the game. The system will randomly select 20 winning numbers, usually with some animated flair. Your selected numbers will then be checked against the drawn ones.
If some (or all) of your numbers match the drawn ones, you win based on the paytable. The more matches you hit, the higher your payout.
Payouts and Odds
Keno payouts vary depending on: How many numbers (spots) you chose, how many of those numbers matched the drawn numbers, the amount you bet.
Each game version will have its own unique paytable. For example, in a 10-spot game, matching 10 out of 10 could pay hundreds or thousands of times your wager, while matching 3 or 4 might only return a small multiple of your bet — or even just your money back.
It’s important to note that keno has a relatively high house edge compared to other casino games, often ranging from 20% to 35%. That means it’s more of a fun, low-risk game than a long-term moneymaker.
Online Keno Tips
We could list a bunch of different tips but to be honest most of them are pretty obvious, for example not chasing losses and setting budgets etc. You don’t want to read stuff that you’ve seen 100 times before. So when it comes to tips, here are some that we recommend that aren’t always completely obvious:
Play Fewer Numbers for Better Odds
Choosing fewer spots (around 4–6) can give you slightly better odds of getting smaller wins more often, though the tradeoff is lower maximum payouts.
Try Demo Versions First
Many sites offer free keno games. Practice without real money to get comfortable with the rules and features before playing with real cash.
Online Keno Variations
Online platforms often feature different versions of keno, such as:
- Power Keno: Multiplies your winnings if the 20th ball drawn is one of your matches
- Super Keno: Multiplies your win if your first number drawn is a match
- Progressive Keno: Offers a growing jackpot for hitting all numbers in a max-spot game
These add twists to the gameplay and can spice up the experience.
Ready To Play?
Online keno is a simple, entertaining game that requires no strategy, making it perfect for those who enjoy games of pure chance. With low betting limits and the potential for significant payouts, it’s a great way to add variety to your online gaming experience.
If you are ready to give it a go yourself then use the link above and get started. Good Luck!